Longtime GOP strategist Boyd Marcus backs Democrat Terry McAuliffe

Boyd Marcus, a longtime Republican adviser and strategist in Virginia who has worked for former Gov. James S. Gilmore III and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, threw his support behind Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe on Tuesday.

Mr. Marcus, who will also serve as a consultant to Mr. McAuliffe’s campaign, said in a statement he’s supporting Mr. McAuliffe because he believes the Democrat will work with both parties to advance economic growth.

“Virginia needs an experienced businessman who will put the practical needs of our people ahead of political ideology,” Mr. Marcus said. “I’ve never before supported any Democrat, but this election Terry is the clear choice for mainstream conservatives.”

The endorsement also means the end of the Republican public affairs firm of Marcus & Allen LLC: Mr. Marcus’s partner, Ray Allen, says he’s buying Mr. Marcus‘ shares of the 20-year-old business, The Associated Press reported.

Mr. Cantor quickly reaffirmed his backing for Mr. Cuccinelli on Tuesday, saying on Twitter that “I strongly support @KenCuccinelli and look forward to working towards victory in November.” The House majority leader had endorsed Mr. Bolling in June 2012 when the lieutenant governor was still battling Mr. Cuccinelli for the GOP nomination.

“Virginians are concerned about each candidate’s vision for the future and how they plan to grow the economy and create jobs, not who their political consultants are,” Cuccinelli spokesman Richard Cullen said. “Ken Cuccinelli has a long and distinguished record of leadership and service in Virginia and has laid out substantive plans that will make the commonwealth stronger. Terry McAuliffe, meanwhile, has been exposed as a failed job creator who has misled Virginians at every turn about his business record.”